Part-Time Skilled Tractor Operator, Powisset Farm, Dover, MA

About The Organization:

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

About the Farm:
Powisset Farm has a long history of agricultural enterprises, from a dairy farm many years ago, to Amelia Peabody’s legendary farm, famous for its breed stock of Hereford cattle and Yorkshire pigs. Many visitors remember fondly the glowing green pastures dotted with cattle and framed by beautiful barns.
Today, our farm is better known for its CSA (community supported agriculture) operation. In 2007, we began a CSA operation with 100 shares, and are currently growing for 350 Summer CSA members and 100 Winter CSA members. By purchasing a share at Powisset Farm, CSA members help to create community around our farm and their commitment to locally grown produce. They receive vegetables each week throughout the growing season, and participate in our pick-your-own crops as well, like fruits, flowers, and herbs. We also host an on-site Farm Stand three days per week during the summer and fall, so that members of the public have access to Powisset produce. In addition to these outlets, our farm donates produce to local hunger relief partners and serves our Mobile Market program in Boston, in order to make sure that our produce reaches as many people as possible.
At Powisset Farm we are committed to growing our community by connecting people to food and the land on which it grows. We host farm events, volunteer opportunities, grassroots workshops, farm tours, and work-for-share opportunities.

Responsibilities & Requirements:
Operation of tractors for primary tillage, bed prep, cultivation, and harvesting.
Knowledge of farm equipment and high level of comfort and skill with safe operation of tractors, transfer and use of implements (including water wheel transplanter, mower, disk harrow, chisel plow, perfecta harrow, forks and bucket, basket weeder, tine weeder, and a variety of other cultivation equipment).
Ability to perform routine checks and maintenance on tractors (oil and fuel levels, tires, hydraulic fluid, etc.).
Ability to work well and collaborate with others, take direction from the farm manager, and be a part of a friendly and welcoming farm.

Work Schedule:
Part-time seasonal, April to October 2018. Option of working any weekday or weekend days.
Flexible schedule between 5-20 hours per week: the hours and days worked will strongly depend on weather and field conditions. We are willing to work with the right candidate to make a flexible schedule that fits the needs of the farm as well as your needs!

Compensation: 
Compensation is per hour based on experience.
Housing is not available for this position.
Farm produce: farm grown produce for individual use.
Free admission to Trustees of Reservations properties.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

If interested, please email a resume & cover letter to Andrew Kelly, Powisset CSA Manager: akelly@thetrustees.org.